Hydroponic Electroculture System and Methods of Use

ABSTRACT

A hydroponic electroculture system is disclosed for use in a hydroponic growing environment. In at least one embodiment, an at least one electroculture unit is positioned in fluid communication with the hydroponic growing environment and provides a conductive core comprising an absorbing layer sandwiched between a pair of opposing first and second conductive layers; each of the first and second conductive layers being in electrical communication with an at least one electrical wire. With the absorbing layer saturated with the fluid of the hydroponic growing environment, an electrical current is selectively delivered to each of the first and second conductive layers which, in turn, forms a reaction within the absorbing layer that causes an off-gassing of oxygen and hydrogen in the form of bubbles to be delivered, along with the electrical current in the fluid, to the roots of an at least one plant in the hydroponic growing environment.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a divisional application and so claims the benefit pursuant to35 U.S.C. § 120 of a prior filed and co-pending U.S. non-provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 15/002,378, filed on Jan. 20, 2016. Thecontents of the aforementioned application are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

The subject of this patent application relates generally toelectroculture, and more particularly to a hydroponic electroculturesystem and associated methods of use.

Applicant(s) hereby incorporate herein by reference any and all patentsand published patent applications cited or referred to in thisapplication.

By way of background, plants are sensitive to many different forms ofstimuli. Not only are plants responsive to various environmentalconditions—such as temperature, light quality, light direction andmoisture, for example—but they are also responsive to other lesser knownforms of stimuli—such as electricity and magnetism. The term“electroculture” refers to a group of techniques that uses electricityand magnetism to amplify and focus magnetic and natural electric forcesof nature to boost soil fertility, and plant growth. Improved plantgrowth, quality and increased yields, are some of the noticeable effectsof electroculture. The technology can also be used to protect plantsfrom pests and diseases.

By way of further background, hydroponics is a branch of agriculturewhere plants are grown without the use of soil. The nutrients that theplants normally derive from the soil are simply dissolved into waterinstead; and depending on the type of hydroponic system used, theplant's roots are suspended in, flooded with or misted with the nutrientsolution so that the plant can derive the elements it needs for growth.As the population of our planet soars and arable land available for cropproduction declines, hydroponics allows for the production of crops ingreenhouses or other buildings and non-soil-based locations that may beadapted to support agriculture. Accordingly, hydroponics offers theability to grow food in places where traditional agriculture simplyisn't possible. Areas that don't receive consistent sunlight or warmweather can also benefit from hydroponics—such as with a hydroponicgreenhouse, where light and temperature can be controlled to producehigher crop yields. Additionally, on average, hydroponic systems tend toonly require roughly twenty percent (20%) of the amount of land, androughly ten percent (10%) of the amount of water, typically required forsoil-based crop growth.

Traditionally, electroculture techniques have been used in soil-basedagricultural contexts. Thus, there remains a need for an electroculturesystem, and associated methods of use, adapted for use inhydroponic-based agricultural contexts.

Aspects of the present invention fulfill these needs and provide furtherrelated advantages as described in the following summary.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present invention teach certain benefits in constructionand use which give rise to the exemplary advantages described below.

The present invention solves the problems described above by providing ahydroponic electroculture system for use in a hydroponic growingenvironment having an at least one container configured for supportingan at least one plant such that the roots of said plant are able toextend down into a volume of fluid positioned within the container,along with an at least one supply line, return line and pump configuredfor circulating the fluid through the container. In at least oneembodiment, an at least one electroculture unit is positioned in fluidcommunication with at least one of the at least one container, supplyline, return line and pump. The at least one electroculture unitprovides a conductive core comprising an absorbing layer capable ofbeing saturated with the fluid and having a first surface and anopposing second surface. A first conductive layer is attached to thefirst surface of the absorbing layer. A second conductive layer isattached to the second surface of the absorbing layer, such that theabsorbing layer is substantially sandwiched between the first and secondconductive layers and the first conductive layer is spaced apart fromthe second conductive layer. An at least one first electrical wire is inelectrical communication with the first conductive layer. An at leastone second electrical wire is in electrical communication with thesecond conductive layer. With the absorbing layer saturated with thefluid, an electrical current is selectively delivered to each of thefirst and second conductive layers via the at least one first electricalwire and second electrical wire, respectively, which, in turn, forms areaction within the absorbing layer that causes an off-gassing of oxygenand hydrogen in the form of bubbles to be delivered, along with theelectrical current in the fluid, to the roots of the at least one plantin the at least one container. As a result, the at least oneelectroculture unit assists the at least one plant in developing arelatively more robust root system, increasing greater yields, repellingpests, increasing disease resistance, and producing relatively morefemale plants.

Other features and advantages of aspects of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following more detailed description, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way ofexample, the principles of aspects of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate aspects of the present invention.In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic view of an exemplary hydroponicelectroculture system, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrocultureunit of the system, taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1, in accordance withat least one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a further exemplaryembodiment of the electroculture unit, in accordance with at least oneembodiment;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a still further exemplaryembodiment of the electroculture unit, in accordance with at least oneembodiment;

FIG. 5 is a simplified schematic view of a further exemplary hydroponicelectroculture system, in accordance with at least one embodiment; and

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a still further exemplaryembodiment of the electroculture unit, in accordance with at least oneembodiment.

The above described drawing figures illustrate aspects of the inventionin at least one of its exemplary embodiments, which are further definedin detail in the following description. Features, elements, and aspectsof the invention that are referenced by the same numerals in differentfigures represent the same, equivalent, or similar features, elements,or aspects, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to FIG. 1, there is shown a simplified schematic view of anexemplary hydroponic electroculture system 20, in accordance with atleast one embodiment. In at least one embodiment, the system 20 providesan at least one container 22 sized and configured for containing avolume of fluid 24. In at least one such embodiment, the at least onecontainer 22 is further configured for supporting an at least one plant26 such that the roots 28 of the at least one plant 26 are able toextend down into the fluid 24 positioned within the container 22. The atleast one container 22 is in fluid communication with an at least onesupply line 30, configured for delivering the fluid 24 into thecontainer 22, and an at least one return line 32, configured forremoving the fluid 24 from the container 22. Additionally, each of theat least one supply line 30 and return line 32 are in fluidcommunication with an at least one pump 34 configured for moving thefluid therethrough. Accordingly, in at least one embodiment, the atleast one supply line 30, return line 32 and pump 34 cooperate tocirculate the fluid 24 through the container 22. In at least oneembodiment, not shown, an at least one reservoir may also be in fluidcommunication with the at least one supply line 30, return line 32 andpump 34, and configured for storing a volume of the fluid 24 to becirculated through the at least one container 22. Additionally, in atleast one embodiment, not shown, an at least one filter may also be influid communication with the at least one supply line 30, return line 32and pump 34, and configured for filtering out any unwanted particulatesfrom the fluid 24 as the fluid 24 is circulated through the system 20.It should be noted that the term “fluid” is intended to include anyliquid, solution or combination thereof—now known or laterdeveloped—capable of being utilized in a hydroponic growing context.Thus, while certain types of fluids—such as water, for example—might beexpressly mentioned herein for illustrative purposes, the presentinvention should not be read as being so limited. It should also benoted that while the container 22 is shown in the drawings as beingsubstantially rectangular in shape, in further embodiments, thecontainer 22 may take on any other size, shape and/or dimensions nowknown or later conceived—dependent, at least in part, on the number andtypes of plants 26 to be supported by the container 22. Additionally,while only a single container 22 is shown in the drawings forillustrative purposes, in further embodiments, any number of containers22 (having the same or varying sizes, shapes and/or dimensions) may beincorporated into the system 20, interconnected either in series orparallel via the at least one supply line 30 and return line 32.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, in at least one embodiment, thesystem 20 further provides an at least one electroculture unit 36positioned in fluid communication with at least one of the at least onecontainer 22, supply line 30, return line 32 and pump 34. In at leastone such embodiment, as illustrated best in the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 2, the at least one electroculture unit 36 provides a housing 38that defines a passageway 39 through which the fluid 24 may flow. An atleast one absorbing layer 40, having a first surface 42 and an opposingsecond surface 44, is positioned within the housing 38. Additionally, afirst conductive layer 46 is attached to the first surface 42 of theabsorbing layer 40, and a second conductive layer 48 is attached to thesecond surface 44 of the absorbing layer 40, such that the absorbinglayer 40 is substantially sandwiched between the first and secondconductive layers 46 and 48, and the first and second conductive layers46 and 48 are held in a substantially parallel and spaced apart positionrelative to one another. Accordingly, in at least one embodiment, thefirst and second conductive layers 46 and 48, along with the absorbinglayer 40 sandwiched therebetween, form a conductive core 49 positionedwithin the housing 38. In at least one embodiment, the absorbing layer40 is constructed out of an absorbent material, such as microfiber,capable of being saturated with the fluid 24. However, in furtherembodiments, the absorbing layer 40 may be constructed out of any othermaterial (or combination of materials) now known or later developed—suchas cloth, cotton, paper wadding, cellulose fiber, or superabsorbentpolymers, for example—so long as said materials are capable of allowingthe absorbing layer 40 to substantially carry out the functionalitydescribed herein. In at least one embodiment, the first and secondconductive layers 46 and 48 are constructed out of a material (orcombination of materials) capable of functioning as an electricalconductor—such as stainless steel, platinum or copper, for example.Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the first and secondconductive layers 46 and 48 are liquid permeable, allowing the fluid 24to flow therethrough and into the absorbing layer 40. In at least onesuch embodiment, each of the first and second conductive layers 46 and48 is constructed of a material (or combination of materials) having aplurality of apertures, such as mesh or some other porous structure. Inat least one further such embodiment, each of the first and secondconductive layers 46 and 48 is constructed of a liquid permeablematerial (or combination of materials). In still further embodiments,the first and second conductive layers 46 and 48 may be constructed outof any other material (or combination of materials), and may take on anyother shape, size, dimensions or configurations, now known or laterdeveloped, so long as the first and second conductive layers 46 and 48are capable of substantially carrying out the functionality describedherein.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, in at least one embodiment,the first conductive layer 46 is in electrical communication with an atleast one first electrical wire 50, and the second conductive layer 48is in electrical communication with an at least one second electricalwire 52. Additionally, each of the at least one first electrical wire 50and second electrical wire 52 is connected to an at least one generator54, thereby allowing an electrical current to be selectively deliveredto the first and second conductive layers 46 and 48, respectively. Itshould be noted that the term “wire” is intended to include anystructure, material or combinations of materials capable of beinginterconnected between the generator 54 and one of the at least onefirst and second conductive layers 46 and 48 for allowing an electricalcurrent to pass therebetween. Additionally, the term “generator” isintended to include any electrical power source, or combination of powersources, capable of generating an electrical current. In at least onesuch embodiment, where the system 20 is used in a hydroponic growingenvironment that utilizes ultraviolet grow lights, the generator 54 maybe configured to capture and be selectively powered by solar energy fromthe grow lights.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, in at least one embodiment, theconductive core 49—i.e., the first and second conductive layers 46 and48 along with the absorbing layer 40 sandwiched therebetween—issubstantially encapsulated within an at least one porous layer 56. In atleast one such embodiment, the porous layer 56 is constructed of agypsum-ceramic casting. In a bit more detail, in one such embodiment,the gypsum-ceramic casting consists of two parts gypsum to one partceramic material formed from heated and expanded sand, providing amaterial of optimal weight and efficiency for casting. The resultingceramic matrix is a lightweight castable material, providing strength aswell as weight savings. This same optimal mixture ratio also provides acasting material that can sufficiently bond to the first and secondconductive layers 46 and 48 along with the absorbing layer 40. Thus, thegypsum-ceramic casting may be formed to closely conform to the first andsecond conductive layers 46 and 48 along with the absorbing layer 40.Additionally, this gypsum-ceramic casting provides an internal structurethat permits a faster migration of fluid through the porous layer 56, aswell as the capability to retain more fluid 24 when fully saturated, theimportance of which is discussed further below. In at least one suchembodiment, an internal structure of the casting contains foamedceramic. In further embodiments, the porous layer 56 may be constructedout of any other material (or combination of materials) now known orlater developed—such as other types of hydrophilic gypsum-basedmaterials, terracotta, or ceramic for example—so long as said materialsare capable of allowing the porous layer 56 to substantially carry outthe functionality described herein.

In at least one embodiment, the porous layer 56 includes anti-microbialmaterial for better preventing mold, bacteria or viruses fromdeveloping. In one such embodiment, the anti-microbial materialcomprises zinc powder. In another such embodiment, the anti-microbialmaterial comprises silver. In still further embodiments, theanti-microbial material may comprise any other material or combinationof materials, now known or later developed, having such anti-microbialproperties. In an at least one further embodiment, not shown, the porouslayer 56 provides an at least one anti-microbial plate—constructed ofzinc metal or the like—positioned within the porous layer 56 such thatthe fluid 24 passes over the anti-microbial plate as it moves throughthe porous layer 56. In at least one such embodiment, the anti-microbialplate is configured for being selectively removable so as to be replacedas it erodes over time. In a still further such embodiment, where theporous layer 56 is constructed of a gypsum-ceramic casting, theanti-microbial material is mixed into the gypsum-ceramic casting. In atleast one alternate embodiment, the fluid 24 itself containsanti-microbial additives.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in at least one embodiment, with the at leastone electroculture unit 36 so positioned within the system 20 and theabsorbing layer 40 saturated with the fluid 24, an electrical currentmay be selectively applied to each of the first and second conductivelayers 46 and 48 which, in turn, forms a reaction between the first andsecond conductive layers 46 and 48—within the now conductive absorbinglayer 40—that causes an off-gassing of oxygen and hydrogen (where thefluid 24 consists at least partially of water) in the form of aplurality of bubbles 58 which move through the system 20 and ultimatelyreach the roots 28 of the at least one plant 26 within the at least onecontainer 22. In at least one embodiment, depending on the materialswith which the first and second conductive layers 46 and 48 areconstructed, copper ions may also be released into the fluid 24 as abyproduct of the reaction. Additionally, given that the at least oneelectroculture unit 36 is in fluid communication with at least one ofthe at least one container 22, supply line 30, return line 32 and pump34, the electrical current will travel throughout the fluid 24 it is incontact with, meaning that the roots 28 of the at least one plant 26will also receive the electrical current. As a result of the increasedamounts of oxygen and hydrogen, along with the electrical current, beingdelivered to the roots 28, the at least one electroculture unit 36assists the at least one plant 26 in developing a relatively more robustsystem of roots 28 that will ultimately result in greater yields. Thedelivery of electrical current by the at least one electroculture unit36 also assists in repelling pests from the at least one plant 26 andcan also increase disease resistance, in addition to producingrelatively more female plants 26. In at least one embodiment, thegenerator 54 provides a relatively low voltage DC current, on the orderof approximately 5-24 volts. However, in further embodiments, thegenerator 54 may provide any other voltage amount—in the form of eitherAC or DC current—to the first and second conductive layers 46 and 48that may be deemed appropriate, dependent at least in part on the sizeof the system 20 as well as the number and types of plants 26 beinggrown.

In at least one alternate embodiment, as illustrated in thecross-sectional view of FIG. 3, the conductive core 49—i.e., the firstand second conductive layers 46 and 48 along with the absorbing layer40—is formed immediately adjacent to, and conforms to the shape of, aninner surface 60 of the housing 38. Additionally, in at least one suchembodiment, rather than substantially encapsulating the conductive core49, the porous layer 56 is formed immediately adjacent and directlyattached to an exposed inner surface of the second conductive layer 48(thereby sandwiching the second conductive layer 48 between the porouslayer 56 and the absorbing layer 40), such that the porous layer 56defines the passageway 39 through which the fluid 24 may flow—ratherthan the fluid 24 flowing around the porous layer 56 as in theembodiment depicted in FIG. 2. Additionally, in at least one suchembodiment, an at least one further absorbing layer 45 may be positionedbetween the first conductive layer 46 and the inner surface 60 of thehousing 38 so as to help insulate the housing 38 from the electricalcurrent and also provide a relatively stronger attachment between theinner surface 60 of the housing 38 and the internal components—dependingat least in part on the material of which the housing 38 is constructed.Alternatively, in at least one embodiment, the first conductive layer 46may be directly attached to the inner surface 60 of the housing 38.

In at least one further alternate embodiment, the housing 38 of the atleast one electroculture unit 36 may be omitted. In such an embodiment,the electroculture unit 36—i.e., the conductive core 49 and thesubstantially encapsulating porous layer 56—may be positioned elsewherein the system 20, so long as the electroculture unit 36 remains in fluidcommunication with at least one of the at least one container 22, supplyline 30, return line 32 and pump 34. In at least one such embodiment,the at least one electroculture unit 36 may be positioned within atleast one of the at least one container 22, supply line 30, return line32 and pump 34 (along with any other components that may be integratedinto the system 20). In at least one such embodiment, where theelectroculture unit 36 is positioned within the at least one supply line30 or return line 32, the supply line 30 or return line 32 itself wouldeffectively function as a structural substitute for the housing 38 shownin FIGS. 2, 3 and 6. Accordingly, in such embodiments, the term“housing,” as used herein, is intended to include any structure—nowknown or later developed—that defines a passageway 39 through which thefluid 24 may flow, with such structures including but not limited to theat least one container 22, the at least one supply line 30, the at leastone return line 32, the at least one pump 34, or a separate housing 38in fluid communication with at least one of the at least one container22, supply line 30, return line 32 and pump 34. In still further suchembodiments, the porous layer 56 may also be omitted.

In at least one still further alternate embodiment, as illustrated inthe partial cross-sectional view of FIG. 4, with the absorbing layer 40sandwiched between the first and second conductive layers 46 and 48, theconductive core 49 provides a pair of further absorbing layers 45 formedimmediately adjacent and directly attached to an outer surface of thefirst conductive layer 46 and the inner surface of the second conductivelayer 48, respectively. As such, each of the first and second conductivelayers 46 and 48 is respectively sandwiched between the absorbing layer40 and the further absorbing layers 45. Additionally, in at least onesuch embodiment, the conductive core 49 is rolled up or otherwise foldedagainst itself in a relatively compact fashion, thereby increasing thenumber of conductive layers positioned in a spaced-apart (by virtue ofthe absorbing layer 40 and the further absorbing layers 45),side-by-side, alternating arrangement—though technically still onlycomprising the first and second conductive layers 46 and 48—which, inturn, increases the amount of oxygen and hydrogen that is off-gassed bythe electroculture unit 36 when an electrical current is selectivelyapplied to each of the first and second conductive layers 46 and 48 asdescribed above. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, with theconductive core 49 rolled up or otherwise folded against itself in arelatively compact fashion, the electroculture unit 36 is able toproduce increased amounts of oxygen and hydrogen without requiringadditional space for the conductive core 49 itself. Similar to the otherembodiments described herein, in at least one such embodiment, theconductive core 49 is substantially encapsulated by the porous layer 56;however, in at least one such alternate embodiment, the porous layer 56is omitted.

In at least one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, in contextswhere regulation of the temperature of the fluid 24 is desired, thesystem 20 may further provide an at least one booster unit 62 in fluidcommunication with at least one of the at least one container 22, supplyline 30, return line 32, pump 34 and electroculture unit 36; the atleast one booster unit 62 being configured for assisting inappropriately modifying the temperature of the fluid 24 before it entersthe at least one container 22. In contexts where the fluid 24 must berelatively colder than the surrounding environment, the at least onebooster unit 62 is configured for assisting in appropriately cooling thefluid 24. In contexts where the fluid 24 must be relatively warmer thanthe surrounding environment, the at least one booster unit 62 isconfigured for assisting in appropriately warming the fluid 24. In atleast one embodiment, where the fluid 24 must be relatively colder thanthe surrounding environment, the passageway 39 of the electrocultureunit 36 is sized and configured for allowing both the fluid 24 as wellas a volume of air to pass therethrough, as illustrated in thecross-sectional view of FIG. 6. Additionally, in at least one suchembodiment, the at least one booster unit 62 is a fan positioned andconfigured for moving the air through the electroculture unit 36. Insuch an embodiment, the portion of the electroculture unit 36 in contactwith the fluid 24 is capable of generating additional oxygen andhydrogen in the fluid 24 via the electrical current, as described above,while the portion of the electroculture unit 36 that is exposed to theair is capable of cooling the air—and, in turn, the fluid 24—as thefluid 24 within the porous layer 56 evaporates into the air movingacross the porous layer 56. In at least one further such embodiment, theat least one booster unit 62 is an air cooling unit, thereby beingcapable of both cooling the air and moving the air through theelectroculture unit 36. In at least one embodiment, the at least one aircooling unit is an evaporative HVAC apparatus such as described in atleast U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2014/0208796,2015/0123294 and 2015/0362201, the contents of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference. In still further embodiments, the atleast one booster unit 62 may be any other type of device (orcombination of devices)—now known or later developed—capable ofassisting in appropriately modifying the temperature of the fluid 24before it enters the at least one container 22.

With continued reference to FIG. 6, in at least one such alternateembodiment, an exposed first surface 64 of the porous layer 56 isconvoluted so as to maximize the surface area of the porous layer 56.The greater the surface area of the porous layer 56, over which air isable to pass, the greater effect the porous layer 56 has on thetemperature of the air passing through the electroculture unit 36. Theconvoluted first surface 64 also facilitates in the rapid tumbling ofthe air that passes through the passageway 39 of the electroculture unit36, thereby assisting to provide an even distribution of air temperatureby the porous layer 56. In one such embodiment, as illustrated best inFIG. 6, the first surface 64 of the porous layer 56 provides a pluralityof finger-like protrusions 66 extending inwardly within the passageway39 of the electroculture unit 36. However, it should be noted that theparticular configuration of the first surface 64 shown in theaccompanying drawing figures is merely exemplary and should not be readas limiting in any way. Accordingly, in further embodiments, the firstsurface 64 may take on any other size, shape, dimensions, orconfigurations now known or later conceived, so long as the porous layer56 is capable of substantially carrying out the functionality describedherein.

Aspects of the present specification may also be described as follows:

An electroculture system for use in a hydroponic growing environmenthaving at least one container, configured for supporting at least oneplant such that the roots of said plant are able to extend down into avolume of fluid positioned within the container, along with at least onesupply line, return line and pump, said hydroponic growing environmentdefining an at least one passageway through which the fluid may flowbetween each of the at least one container, supply line, return line andpump, the electroculture system comprising: at least one electrocultureunit comprising: a conductive core positioned within the at least onepassageway and comprising: a first conductive layer formed proximal aninner surface of the at least one passageway; an absorbing layer capableof being saturated with the fluid and having a first surface and anopposing second surface, the first surface attached to an inner surfaceof the first conductive layer; and a second conductive layer attached tothe second surface of the absorbing layer, such that the absorbing layeris sandwiched between the first and second conductive layers and thefirst conductive layer is spaced apart from the second conductive layer;at least one first electrical wire in electrical communication with thefirst conductive layer; and at least one second electrical wire inelectrical communication with the second conductive layer; whereby, anelectrical current is selectively deliverable to each of the first andsecond conductive layers via the at least one first electrical wire andsecond electrical wire, respectively, which, in turn, forms a reactionwithin the absorbing layer that causes an off-gassing of oxygen andhydrogen in the form of bubbles to be delivered, along with theelectrical current in the fluid, to the roots of the at least one plantin the at least one container.

2. The electroculture system according to embodiment 1, wherein theabsorbing layer is constructed out of a microfiber material.

3. The electroculture system according to embodiments 1-2, wherein thefirst and second conductive layers are constructed out of a materialcapable of functioning as an electrical conductor.

4. The electroculture system according to embodiments 1-3, wherein atleast one of the first and second conductive layers is liquid permeable,allowing the fluid to flow therethrough and into the absorbing layer.

5. The electroculture system according to embodiments 1-4, wherein eachof the first and second conductive layers is constructed of a materialhaving a plurality of apertures, allowing the fluid to flow therethroughand into the absorbing layer.

6. The electroculture system according to embodiments 1-5, wherein theat least one electroculture unit further comprises a porous layer formedimmediately adjacent and directly attached to an exposed inner surfaceof the second conductive layer, such that the second conductive layer issandwiched between the porous layer and the absorbing layer.

7. The electroculture system according to embodiments 1-6, wherein theporous layer is constructed of a gypsum-ceramic casting.

8. The electroculture system according to embodiments 1-7, wherein thegypsum-ceramic casting consists of two parts gypsum to one part ceramicmaterial formed from heated and expanded sand.

9. The electroculture system according to embodiments 1-8, wherein theceramic material is foamed ceramic.

10. The electroculture system according to embodiments 1-9, wherein theporous layer includes anti-microbial material for better preventingmold, bacteria or viruses from developing.

11. The electroculture system according to embodiments 1-10, wherein theanti-microbial material comprises at least one of zinc and silver.

12. The electroculture system according to embodiments 1-11, wherein theat least one passageway is sized and configured for allowing both thefluid as well as a volume of air to pass therethrough, such that aportion of the porous layer is in contact with the fluid while aremaining portion of the porous layer is exposed to the air.

13. The electroculture system according to embodiments 1-12, furthercomprising at least one booster unit in fluid communication with the atleast one passageway, the at least one booster unit being configured forassisting in modifying the temperature of the fluid before it enters theat least one container.

14. The electroculture system according to embodiments 1-13, wherein theat least one booster unit is a fan positioned and configured for movingthe air through the at least one passageway.

15. The electroculture system according to embodiments 1-14, wherein anexposed first surface of the porous layer is convoluted so as tomaximize the surface area of the porous layer.

16. The electroculture system according to embodiments 1-15, wherein thefirst surface of the porous layer provides a plurality of finger-likeprotrusions extending inwardly within the at least one passageway.

17. The electroculture system according to embodiments 1-16, wherein theconductive core further comprises a further absorbing layer positionedbetween the first conductive layer and the inner surface of thepassageway, the further absorbing layer formed immediately adjacent anddirectly attached to an outer surface of the first conductive layer,thereby sandwiching the first conductive layer between the absorbinglayer and the further absorbing layer.

18. The electroculture system according to embodiments 1-17, wherein thefurther absorbing layer is also directly attached to the inner surfaceof the passageway, such that the further absorbing layer is sandwichedbetween the first conductive layer and the inner surface of thepassageway.

19. The electroculture system according to embodiments 1-18, wherein anouter surface of the first conductive layer is directly attached to theinner surface of the passageway.

20. The electroculture system according to embodiments 1-19, wherein theat least one electroculture unit further comprises at least onegenerator in electrical communication with each of the at least onefirst electrical wire and second electrical wire and configured forselectively delivering an electrical current to the first and secondconductive layers, respectively.

21. The electroculture system according to embodiments 1-20, wherein theelectrical current delivered by the generator is a relatively lowvoltage DC current, on the order of approximately 5-24 volts.

22. The electroculture system according to embodiments 1-21, wherein:the at least one electroculture unit further comprises a housing influid communication with the at least one container, supply line, returnline and pump; the housing cooperates with the hydroponic growingenvironment to define the at least one passageway through which thefluid may flow between each of the at least one container, supply line,return line, pump and housing; and said at least one electroculture unitis positioned within the at least one passageway of the housing.

23. An electroculture system for use in a hydroponic growing environmenthaving at least one container, configured for supporting at least oneplant such that the roots of said plant are able to extend down into avolume of fluid positioned within the container, along with at least onesupply line, return line and pump, said hydroponic growing environmentdefining an at least one passageway through which the fluid may flowbetween each of the at least one container, supply line, return line andpump, the electroculture system comprising: at least one electrocultureunit comprising: a housing in fluid communication with the at least onecontainer, supply line, return line and pump, the housing cooperatingwith the hydroponic growing environment to define the at least onepassageway through which the fluid may flow between each of the at leastone container, supply line, return line, pump and housing; a conductivecore positioned within the at least one passageway of the housing andcomprising: a first conductive layer formed proximal an inner surface ofthe at least one passageway; an absorbing layer capable of beingsaturated with the fluid and having a first surface and an opposingsecond surface, the first surface attached to an inner surface of thefirst conductive layer; and a second conductive layer attached to thesecond surface of the absorbing layer, such that the absorbing layer issandwiched between the first and second conductive layers and the firstconductive layer is spaced apart from the second conductive layer; atleast one first electrical wire in electrical communication with thefirst conductive layer; and at least one second electrical wire inelectrical communication with the second conductive layer; whereby, anelectrical current is selectively deliverable to each of the first andsecond conductive layers via the at least one first electrical wire andsecond electrical wire, respectively, which, in turn, forms a reactionwithin the absorbing layer that causes an off-gassing of oxygen andhydrogen in the form of bubbles to be delivered, along with theelectrical current in the fluid, to the roots of the at least one plantin the at least one container.

24. A hydroponic electroculture system comprising: at least onecontainer configured for supporting at least one plant such that theroots of said plant are able to extend down into a volume of fluidpositioned within the container; at least one supply line in fluidcommunication with the at least one container and configured forallowing the fluid to flow into the container; at least one return linein fluid communication with the at least one container and configuredfor allowing the fluid to flow out of the container; at least one pumpin fluid communication with the at least one supply line and returnline, the at least one pump configured for circulating the fluid throughthe container using the at least one supply line and return line; the atleast one container, supply line, return line and pump cooperating todefine an at least one passageway through which the fluid may flowtherebetween; and at least one electroculture unit positioned in fluidcommunication with at least one of the at least one container, supplyline, return line and pump, the at least one electroculture unitcomprising: a conductive core positioned within the at least onepassageway and comprising: a first conductive layer formed proximal aninner surface of the at least one passageway; an absorbing layer capableof being saturated with the fluid and having a first surface and anopposing second surface, the first surface attached to an inner surfaceof the first conductive layer; and a second conductive layer attached tothe second surface of the absorbing layer, such that the absorbing layeris sandwiched between the first and second conductive layers and thefirst conductive layer is spaced apart from the second conductive layer;at least one first electrical wire in electrical communication with thefirst conductive layer; and at least one second electrical wire inelectrical communication with the second conductive layer; whereby, anelectrical current is selectively deliverable to each of the first andsecond conductive layers via the at least one first electrical wire andsecond electrical wire, respectively, which, in turn, forms a reactionwithin the absorbing layer that causes an off-gassing of oxygen andhydrogen in the form of bubbles to be delivered, along with theelectrical current in the fluid, to the roots of the at least one plantin the at least one container.

25. The hydroponic electroculture system according to embodiment 24,wherein the absorbing layer is constructed out of a microfiber material.

26. The hydroponic electroculture system according to embodiments 24-25,wherein the first and second conductive layers are constructed out of amaterial capable of functioning as an electrical conductor.

27. The hydroponic electroculture system according to embodiments 24-26,wherein at least one of the first and second conductive layers is liquidpermeable, allowing the fluid to flow therethrough and into theabsorbing layer.

28. The hydroponic electroculture system according to embodiments 24-27,wherein each of the first and second conductive layers is constructed ofa material having a plurality of apertures, allowing the fluid to flowtherethrough and into the absorbing layer.

29. The hydroponic electroculture system according to embodiments 24-28,wherein the at least one electroculture unit further comprises a porouslayer formed immediately adjacent and directly attached to an exposedinner surface of the second conductive layer, such that the secondconductive layer is sandwiched between the porous layer and theabsorbing layer.

30. The hydroponic electroculture system according to embodiments 24-29,wherein the porous layer is constructed of a gypsum-ceramic casting.

31. The hydroponic electroculture system according to embodiments 24-30,wherein the gypsum-ceramic casting consists of two parts gypsum to onepart ceramic material formed from heated and expanded sand.

32. The hydroponic electroculture system according to embodiments 24-31,wherein the ceramic material is foamed ceramic.

33. The hydroponic electroculture system according to embodiments 24-32,wherein the porous layer includes anti-microbial material for betterpreventing mold, bacteria or viruses from developing.

34. The hydroponic electroculture system according to embodiments 24-33,wherein the anti-microbial material comprises at least one of zinc andsilver.

35. The hydroponic electroculture system according to embodiments 24-34,wherein the at least one passageway is sized and configured for allowingboth the fluid as well as a volume of air to pass therethrough, suchthat a portion of the porous layer is in contact with the fluid while aremaining portion of the porous layer is exposed to the air.

36. The hydroponic electroculture system according to embodiments 24-35,further comprising at least one booster unit in fluid communication withthe at least one passageway, the at least one booster unit beingconfigured for assisting in modifying the temperature of the fluidbefore it enters the at least one container.

37. The hydroponic electroculture system according to embodiments 24-36,wherein the at least one booster unit is a fan positioned and configuredfor moving the air through the at least one passageway.

38. The hydroponic electroculture system according to embodiments 24-37,wherein an exposed first surface of the porous layer is convoluted so asto maximize the surface area of the porous layer.

39. The hydroponic electroculture system according to embodiments 24-38,wherein the first surface of the porous layer provides a plurality offinger-like protrusions extending inwardly within the at least onepassageway.

40. The hydroponic electroculture system according to embodiments 24-39,wherein the conductive core further comprises a further absorbing layerpositioned between the first conductive layer and the inner surface ofthe passageway, the further absorbing layer formed immediately adjacentand directly attached to an outer surface of the first conductive layer,thereby sandwiching the first conductive layer between the absorbinglayer and the further absorbing layer.

41. The hydroponic electroculture system according to embodiments 24-40,wherein the further absorbing layer is also directly attached to theinner surface of the passageway, such that the further absorbing layeris sandwiched between the first conductive layer and the inner surfaceof the passageway.

42. The hydroponic electroculture system according to embodiments 24-41,wherein an outer surface of the first conductive layer is directlyattached to the inner surface of the passageway.

43. The hydroponic electroculture system according to embodiments 24-42,wherein the at least one electroculture unit further comprises at leastone generator in electrical communication with each of the at least onefirst electrical wire and second electrical wire and configured forselectively delivering an electrical current to the first and secondconductive layers, respectively.

44. The hydroponic electroculture system according to embodiments 24-43,wherein the electrical current delivered by the generator is arelatively low voltage DC current, on the order of approximately 5-24volts.

45. The hydroponic electroculture system according to embodiments 24-44,wherein: the at least one electroculture unit further comprises ahousing in fluid communication with the at least one container, supplyline, return line and pump; the housing cooperates with the at least onecontainer, supply line, return line and pump to define the at least onepassageway through which the fluid may flow therebetween; and said atleast one electroculture unit is positioned within the at least onepassageway of the housing.

In closing, regarding the exemplary embodiments of the present inventionas shown and described herein, it will be appreciated that a hydroponicelectroculture system and associated methods of use are disclosed.Because the principles of the invention may be practiced in a number ofconfigurations beyond those shown and described, it is to be understoodthat the invention is not in any way limited by the exemplaryembodiments, but is generally directed to a hydroponic electroculturesystem and is able to take numerous forms to do so without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention. It will also be appreciatedby those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited tothe particular geometries and materials of construction disclosed, butmay instead entail other functionally comparable structures ormaterials, now known or later developed, without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

Certain embodiments of the present invention are described herein,including the best mode known to the inventor(s) for carrying out theinvention. Of course, variations on these described embodiments willbecome apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading theforegoing description. The inventor(s) expect skilled artisans to employsuch variations as appropriate, and the inventor(s) intend for thepresent invention to be practiced otherwise than specifically describedherein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications andequivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended heretoas permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of theabove-described embodiments in all possible variations thereof isencompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein orotherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Groupings of alternative embodiments, elements, or steps of the presentinvention are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member maybe referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with othergroup members disclosed herein. It is anticipated that one or moremembers of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group forreasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion ordeletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group asmodified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groupsused in the appended claims.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing a characteristic,item, quantity, parameter, property, term, and so forth used in thepresent specification and claims are to be understood as being modifiedin all instances by the term “about.” As used herein, the term “about”means that the characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, orterm so qualified encompasses a range of plus or minus ten percent aboveand below the value of the stated characteristic, item, quantity,parameter, property, or term. Accordingly, unless indicated to thecontrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification andattached claims are approximations that may vary. At the very least, andnot as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine ofequivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical indication shouldat least be construed in light of the number of reported significantdigits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstandingthat the numerical ranges and values setting forth the broad scope ofthe invention are approximations, the numerical ranges and values setforth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible.Any numerical range or value, however, inherently contains certainerrors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in theirrespective testing measurements. Recitation of numerical ranges ofvalues herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method ofreferring individually to each separate numerical value falling withinthe range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value of anumerical range is incorporated into the present specification as if itwere individually recited herein. Similarly, as used herein, unlessindicated to the contrary, the term “substantially” is a term of degreeintended to indicate an approximation of the characteristic, item,quantity, parameter, property, or term so qualified, encompassing arange that can be understood and construed by those of ordinary skill inthe art.

Use of the terms “may” or “can” in reference to an embodiment or aspectof an embodiment also carries with it the alternative meaning of “maynot” or “cannot.” As such, if the present specification discloses thatan embodiment or an aspect of an embodiment may be or can be included aspart of the inventive subject matter, then the negative limitation orexclusionary proviso is also explicitly meant, meaning that anembodiment or an aspect of an embodiment may not be or cannot beincluded as part of the inventive subject matter. In a similar manner,use of the term “optionally” in reference to an embodiment or aspect ofan embodiment means that such embodiment or aspect of the embodiment maybe included as part of the inventive subject matter or may not beincluded as part of the inventive subject matter. Whether such anegative limitation or exclusionary proviso applies will be based onwhether the negative limitation or exclusionary proviso is recited inthe claimed subject matter.

The terms “a,” “an,” “the” and similar references used in the context ofdescribing the present invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. Further, ordinal indicators—such as “first,” “second,” “third,”etc.—for identified elements are used to distinguish between theelements, and do not indicate or imply a required or limited number ofsuch elements, and do not indicate a particular position or order ofsuch elements unless otherwise specifically stated. All methodsdescribed herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwiseindicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The useof any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”)provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the presentinvention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the inventionotherwise claimed. No language in the present specification should beconstrued as indicating any non-claimed element essential to thepractice of the invention.

When used in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, theopen-ended transitional term “comprising” (along with equivalentopen-ended transitional phrases thereof such as “including,”“containing” and “having”) encompasses all the expressly recitedelements, limitations, steps and/or features alone or in combinationwith un-recited subject matter; the named elements, limitations and/orfeatures are essential, but other unnamed elements, limitations and/orfeatures may be added and still form a construct within the scope of theclaim. Specific embodiments disclosed herein may be further limited inthe claims using the closed-ended transitional phrases “consisting of”or “consisting essentially of” in lieu of or as an amendment for“comprising.” When used in the claims, whether as filed or added peramendment, the closed-ended transitional phrase “consisting of” excludesany element, limitation, step, or feature not expressly recited in theclaims. The closed-ended transitional phrase “consisting essentially of”limits the scope of a claim to the expressly recited elements,limitations, steps and/or features and any other elements, limitations,steps and/or features that do not materially affect the basic and novelcharacteristic(s) of the claimed subject matter. Thus, the meaning ofthe open-ended transitional phrase “comprising” is being defined asencompassing all the specifically recited elements, limitations, stepsand/or features as well as any optional, additional unspecified ones.The meaning of the closed-ended transitional phrase “consisting of” isbeing defined as only including those elements, limitations, stepsand/or features specifically recited in the claim, whereas the meaningof the closed-ended transitional phrase “consisting essentially of” isbeing defined as only including those elements, limitations, stepsand/or features specifically recited in the claim and those elements,limitations, steps and/or features that do not materially affect thebasic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed subject matter.Therefore, the open-ended transitional phrase “comprising” (along withequivalent open-ended transitional phrases thereof) includes within itsmeaning, as a limiting case, claimed subject matter specified by theclosed-ended transitional phrases “consisting of” or “consistingessentially of.” As such, embodiments described herein or so claimedwith the phrase “comprising” are expressly or inherently unambiguouslydescribed, enabled and supported herein for the phrases “consistingessentially of” and “consisting of.”

Any claims intended to be treated under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) will beginwith the words “means for,” but use of the term “for” in any othercontext is not intended to invoke treatment under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).Accordingly, Applicant reserves the right to pursue additional claimsafter filing this application, in either this application or in acontinuing application.

All patents, patent publications, and other publications referenced andidentified in the present specification are individually and expresslyincorporated herein by reference in their entirety for the purpose ofdescribing and disclosing, for example, the compositions andmethodologies described in such publications that might be used inconnection with the present invention. These publications are providedsolely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the presentapplication. Nothing in this regard should be construed as an admissionthat the inventors are not entitled to antedate such disclosure byvirtue of prior invention or for any other reason. All statements as tothe date or representation as to the contents of these documents isbased on the information available to the applicants and does notconstitute any admission as to the correctness of the dates or contentsof these documents.

While aspects of the invention have been described with reference to atleast one exemplary embodiment, it is to be clearly understood by thoseskilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto. Rather,the scope of the invention is to be interpreted only in conjunction withthe appended claims and it is made clear, here, that the inventor(s)believe that the claimed subject matter is the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electroculture system for use in a hydroponicgrowing environment having at least one container, configured forsupporting at least one plant such that the roots of said plant are ableto extend down into a volume of fluid positioned within the container,along with at least one supply line, return line and pump, saidhydroponic growing environment defining an at least one passagewaythrough which the fluid may flow between each of the at least onecontainer, supply line, return line and pump, the electroculture systemcomprising: at least one electroculture unit comprising: a conductivecore positioned within the at least one passageway and comprising: afirst conductive layer formed proximal an inner surface of the at leastone passageway; an absorbing layer capable of being saturated with thefluid and having a first surface and an opposing second surface, thefirst surface attached to an inner surface of the first conductivelayer; and a second conductive layer attached to the second surface ofthe absorbing layer, such that the absorbing layer is sandwiched betweenthe first and second conductive layers and the first conductive layer isspaced apart from the second conductive layer; at least one firstelectrical wire in electrical communication with the first conductivelayer; and at least one second electrical wire in electricalcommunication with the second conductive layer; whereby, an electricalcurrent is selectively deliverable to each of the first and secondconductive layers via the at least one first electrical wire and secondelectrical wire, respectively, which, in turn, forms a reaction withinthe absorbing layer that causes an off-gassing of oxygen and hydrogen inthe form of bubbles to be delivered, along with the electrical currentin the fluid, to the roots of the at least one plant in the at least onecontainer.
 2. The electroculture system of claim 1, wherein theabsorbing layer is constructed out of a microfiber material.
 3. Theelectroculture system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first andsecond conductive layers is liquid permeable, allowing the fluid to flowtherethrough and into the absorbing layer.
 4. The electroculture systemof claim 1, wherein the at least one electroculture unit furthercomprises a porous layer formed immediately adjacent and directlyattached to an exposed inner surface of the second conductive layer,such that the second conductive layer is sandwiched between the porouslayer and the absorbing layer.
 5. The electroculture system of claim 4,wherein the porous layer is constructed of a gypsum-ceramic casting. 6.The electroculture system of claim 4, wherein the porous layer includesanti-microbial material for better preventing mold, bacteria or virusesfrom developing.
 7. The electroculture system of claim 4, wherein the atleast one passageway is sized and configured for allowing both the fluidas well as a volume of air to pass therethrough, such that a portion ofthe porous layer is in contact with the fluid while a remaining portionof the porous layer is exposed to the air.
 8. The electroculture systemof claim 7, further comprising at least one booster unit in fluidcommunication with the at least one passageway, the at least one boosterunit being configured for assisting in modifying the temperature of thefluid before it enters the at least one container.
 9. The electroculturesystem of claim 8, wherein the at least one booster unit is a fanpositioned and configured for moving the air through the at least onepassageway.
 10. The electroculture system of claim 7, wherein an exposedfirst surface of the porous layer is convoluted so as to maximize thesurface area of the porous layer.
 11. The electroculture system of claim10, wherein the first surface of the porous layer provides a pluralityof finger-like protrusions extending inwardly within the at least onepassageway.
 12. The electroculture system of claim 1, wherein theconductive core further comprises a further absorbing layer positionedbetween the first conductive layer and the inner surface of thepassageway, the further absorbing layer formed immediately adjacent anddirectly attached to an outer surface of the first conductive layer,thereby sandwiching the first conductive layer between the absorbinglayer and the further absorbing layer.
 13. The electroculture system ofclaim 12, wherein the further absorbing layer is also directly attachedto the inner surface of the passageway, such that the further absorbinglayer is sandwiched between the first conductive layer and the innersurface of the passageway.
 14. The electroculture system of claim 1,wherein an outer surface of the first conductive layer is directlyattached to the inner surface of the passageway.
 15. The electroculturesystem of claim 1, wherein the at least one electroculture unit furthercomprises at least one generator in electrical communication with eachof the at least one first electrical wire and second electrical wire andconfigured for selectively delivering an electrical current to the firstand second conductive layers, respectively.
 16. The electroculturesystem of claim 15, wherein the electrical current delivered by thegenerator is a relatively low voltage DC current, on the order ofapproximately 5-24 volts.
 17. The electroculture system of claim 1,wherein: the at least one electroculture unit further comprises ahousing in fluid communication with the at least one container, supplyline, return line and pump; the housing cooperates with the hydroponicgrowing environment to define the at least one passageway through whichthe fluid may flow between each of the at least one container, supplyline, return line, pump and housing; and said at least oneelectroculture unit is positioned within the at least one passageway ofthe housing.
 18. An electroculture system for use in a hydroponicgrowing environment having at least one container, configured forsupporting at least one plant such that the roots of said plant are ableto extend down into a volume of fluid positioned within the container,along with at least one supply line, return line and pump, saidhydroponic growing environment defining an at least one passagewaythrough which the fluid may flow between each of the at least onecontainer, supply line, return line and pump, the electroculture systemcomprising: at least one electroculture unit comprising: a housing influid communication with the at least one container, supply line, returnline and pump, the housing cooperating with the hydroponic growingenvironment to define the at least one passageway through which thefluid may flow between each of the at least one container, supply line,return line, pump and housing; a conductive core positioned within theat least one passageway of the housing and comprising: a firstconductive layer formed proximal an inner surface of the at least onepassageway; an absorbing layer capable of being saturated with the fluidand having a first surface and an opposing second surface, the firstsurface attached to an inner surface of the first conductive layer; anda second conductive layer attached to the second surface of theabsorbing layer, such that the absorbing layer is sandwiched between thefirst and second conductive layers and the first conductive layer isspaced apart from the second conductive layer; at least one firstelectrical wire in electrical communication with the first conductivelayer; and at least one second electrical wire in electricalcommunication with the second conductive layer; whereby, an electricalcurrent is selectively deliverable to each of the first and secondconductive layers via the at least one first electrical wire and secondelectrical wire, respectively, which, in turn, forms a reaction withinthe absorbing layer that causes an off-gassing of oxygen and hydrogen inthe form of bubbles to be delivered, along with the electrical currentin the fluid, to the roots of the at least one plant in the at least onecontainer.
 19. A hydroponic electroculture system comprising: at leastone container configured for supporting at least one plant such that theroots of said plant are able to extend down into a volume of fluidpositioned within the container; at least one supply line in fluidcommunication with the at least one container and configured forallowing the fluid to flow into the container; at least one return linein fluid communication with the at least one container and configuredfor allowing the fluid to flow out of the container; at least one pumpin fluid communication with the at least one supply line and returnline, the at least one pump configured for circulating the fluid throughthe container using the at least one supply line and return line; the atleast one container, supply line, return line and pump cooperating todefine an at least one passageway through which the fluid may flowtherebetween; and at least one electroculture unit positioned in fluidcommunication with at least one of the at least one container, supplyline, return line and pump, the at least one electroculture unitcomprising: a conductive core positioned within the at least onepassageway and comprising: a first conductive layer formed proximal aninner surface of the at least one passageway; an absorbing layer capableof being saturated with the fluid and having a first surface and anopposing second surface, the first surface attached to an inner surfaceof the first conductive layer; and a second conductive layer attached tothe second surface of the absorbing layer, such that the absorbing layeris sandwiched between the first and second conductive layers and thefirst conductive layer is spaced apart from the second conductive layer;at least one first electrical wire in electrical communication with thefirst conductive layer; and at least one second electrical wire inelectrical communication with the second conductive layer; whereby, anelectrical current is selectively deliverable to each of the first andsecond conductive layers via the at least one first electrical wire andsecond electrical wire, respectively, which, in turn, forms a reactionwithin the absorbing layer that causes an off-gassing of oxygen andhydrogen in the form of bubbles to be delivered, along with theelectrical current in the fluid, to the roots of the at least one plantin the at least one container.
 20. The hydroponic electroculture systemof claim 19, wherein the at least one electroculture unit furthercomprises a porous layer formed immediately adjacent and directlyattached to an exposed inner surface of the second conductive layer,such that the second conductive layer is sandwiched between the porouslayer and the absorbing layer.